bad first impression of Stone Park Cafe

Share:

bad first impression of Stone Park Cafe

Stone Park Cafe has an interesting menu and wine list, yet it also bills itself as family-friendly, an unusual combination. So I was really looking forward to trying it with my twin kids. I called in advance to find out what time they open (5:30), and whether they have two high chairs (yes). My kids are very well behaved in restaurants, but I always go early, to avoid bothering the other diners who come later.

The first time we went at 5:30, they said sorry, we won't be opening for another 20 minutes, so we went elsewhere (alas, Two Boots again). The second time we went at 5:30, they did not give us a very warm welcome -- a few employees breezed by us, leaving us stranded near the front door. Finally, we caught someone's attention, and it turned out that they did not have high chairs. Well, okay, we decided to try the booster chairs, but one of my sons kept falling out. The waitress was also a bit snippy. But the biggest problem was that it took almost an HOUR to get our food, at 6:30! By that time, the restaurant was almost full, and I was mortified that my starving kids would lose it in front of everybody. After we complained, they apologized and gave us our drinks for free, which helped take the sting out of it....

As for the food: My vitello tonnato sandwich had a good flavor, but was too mushy. They used braised veal which was very tender, but with the tuna sauce and the soft bread, it was too soft. The sandwich needed either a firmer piece of meat, or firmer bread, or an extra something crispy like maybe endive.

Overall, I got a bad first impression. The food was not good enough to put up with the high prices and unwelcoming attitude. Nevertheless, I would be willing to give it one more chance. Maybe they are still working out the kinks, as a new restaurant.